<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a victory against Shimizu S-Pulse on the road, marking their first win in the league in five matches. Especially in the second half, they dominated the game by maintaining possession of the ball for most of the time. They embodied their desired style on the pitch with defensive pressure from the front line, a strong attack, and creating calm moments by holding onto the ball. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA praised the match, stating, "Today was the start of a change in FC Tokyo's playing style," as they returned home with three points.
In this match, which marked a return home to change the flow that had distanced us from victory, we faced the league leaders, Kashima Antlers. For Ryoya OGAWA, who has decided to transfer to Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal, this was his last opportunity to play at Ajinomoto Stadium in the league. He approached this match wanting to secure a victory for his teammates, with whom he has been active in Tokyo for seven and a half seasons.
Tokyo wanted to calmly control the game while keeping possession, but Kashima fought aggressively in one-on-one situations and applied coordinated pressing on the ball holders, making it difficult to find a path to build up play and enter the opponent's territory. Even when they stole the ball and launched counterattacks, they lost possession easily due to rushing their attacks, and were repeatedly pushed back by Kashima's strong and fast vertical attacks, forcing them to retreat into their own half. They struggled to create attacking opportunities, but in the 23rd minute of the first half, after advancing the ball deep into the opponent's territory, Kuryu MATSUKI received the ball wide on the left side and played a wedge pass to Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the central area of the penalty box. When Diego drew the defenders and played a through ball, Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run behind, connected with a one-touch shot, but the shot went over the goal. Although they struggled with a game full of vertical ball exchanges, they changed the tempo of passing in the 33rd minute of the first half to shift the flow of the game. Ogawa, holding the ball high on the left side, played a wedge pass to WATANABE in the central area. When WATANABE and Diego OLIVEIRA combined with a one-touch one-two, drawing several opponents, WATANABE penetrated the space inside the penalty area left open by the drawn defenders. WATANABE shot faster than the pursuing defender and slotted the ball into the right corner of the goal, allowing Tokyo to take the lead.
Tokyo, gaining momentum after scoring first, began to effectively coordinate their defense on the ball side, regaining possession in midfield battles and increasing their time with the ball. In the 41st minute of the first half, Adailton broke behind the opponent's defense and approached the goal, but his one-on-one shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. Although it did not result in a goal, the opponent pushed forward, allowing Tokyo to exploit the space and launch a fierce attack. In the 43rd minute of the first half, after repelling the opponent's attack, Adailton received a wedge pass in his own half, quickly bypassed the defender on his back with one touch, and carried the ball at speed near the penalty area. Using Diego TABA, who came to support, they could not get a shot off but created a pause and moved into space on the right side. Watanabe, rushing in right in front of the goal, struck a right-footed shot that was drawn into the top left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead going into halftime.
In the early stages of the second half, Adailton created a chance. In the 5th minute of the second half, he picked up a ball that seemed to go out of play on the left side touchline, and while holding off an opposing defender, he moved into the penalty area. Just as he controlled the ball towards the goal, he was fouled from behind, earning a penalty kick. In the 7th minute of the second half, Diego TABA calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner of the goal, extending Tokyo's lead to three goals.
It seemed like it would be a decisive additional goal, but in the 9th minute of the second half, a cross from the right side was delivered, and Ueda Ayase scored to bring one goal back into the right corner of the net. As the opponent pushed forward and attacked, spaces opened up, increasing opportunities to counterattack, but they could not take decisive shots as they approached the opponent's goal. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Adailton initiated a quick counterattack and entered the penalty area, but his shot was saved directly by the opposing goalkeeper. Although they conceded one goal, the transition to defense after the attack was smooth and quick, and they finished the match without shaking the net until the end.
Before entering the break period, we achieved consecutive victories in the league and felt a definite sense of growth in our performance. Without letting the confidence gained from these two matches turn into overconfidence, we want to continue building our training and express further growth on the pitch in the Emperor's Cup and the resuming league matches.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
I expected that Kashima would have high-quality players and would come at us with high intensity from the start. We corrected the mistakes we made in the Fukuoka match and approached today's game. If we concede a goal early, it makes for a difficult match for us. We aimed to avoid that. The team is still in a growth phase. We have not yet developed the ability to maintain possession against a team that plays with such high intensity. However, we anticipated the heat today and that this was the last match of a congested schedule, so we expected their intensity to drop after about 20 minutes in both halves. After the water break, we were able to maintain possession of the ball in a good way. From there, we were able to control the game with the ball and create several decisive chances. Fortunately, we managed to score 2 goals from about 3 chances we created, and those goals had a significant impact on the flow of the match.
Regarding the second half, we anticipated struggling at the start. However, it was significant that we were able to score an additional goal during that period. After making it 3-0, we expected to maintain possession and finish the match, but unfortunately, we conceded a goal early on. I believe that goal had a major impact on the flow of the game. Nevertheless, I think we responded well after that goal. From there, I anticipated two scenarios. One was to drop the defensive block and rely heavily on long balls. However, I thought dropping the defensive block was very risky because Kashima has high-quality players up front. I always believe that the best defense is to maintain possession, so I chose that option. Even in simple situations where clearing the ball would suffice during difficult moments, the team opted to connect passes.
Rather than a counterattack, we were able to create chances to score additional goals by switching between offense and defense effectively. To finish the match, even in the final stages, the players showed a commitment to compete. For us, who live in the world of competition, fighting hard is one of the very important points. As I always say, our major goal this season is to grow every day. Our opponents have various ways of fighting and playing styles, but we aim to grow further with each match against opponents with different characteristics, and I believe we were able to grow through this match.
I would like to once again praise our opponents today, Kashima. I also met Kashima's coach for the first time, and I would like to commend him as well. I felt he is a wonderful person and is leading the team in a great direction. I also want to acknowledge the fans and supporters of Kashima. Many fans and supporters came to Ajinomoto Stadium and I believe they passionately supported their team. I would also like to commend the referees. I think they made excellent decisions. Finally, I want to praise our fans and supporters. On this beautiful day, many people came to what is (Ryoya) OGAWA's last home game, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you very much.
Q: There was a mention that the opponent's intensity drops after 20 minutes. Was this communicated to the players before the match or during the water break?
A, I informed the players in advance and prepared. After the water break in the first half, I anticipated that the opponent's intensity would drop, so I instructed (Ryoma WATANABE) to play more centrally.
Q: I would like to ask about Watanabe's positioning. I believe it was anticipated that one of the double defensive midfielders from Kashima would come to mark Aoki as part of the game plan, but is the intention to utilize the space left by the other player who remained in the area to play centrally?
First, we aimed to create a numerical advantage by having Kuryu Matsuki drop down next to Aoki. In the next phase, we positioned Shuto ABE and Ryoma WATANABE next to the opponent's player who remained as a single defensive midfielder, aiming to create an additional numerical advantage in that zone. It was part of our game plan, but I believe there are times when it works well and times when it doesn't.
Q, this marks FC Tokyo's 300th victory in the J1 League.
A, and for me, it was a commemorative match for my 100th game in the J-League. There are many things to celebrate today, so I want to celebrate a lot with champagne tonight. Of course, I am happy to have achieved such a commemorative victory. We have roughly completed the first half of the season over the past few months. The first half ends with a tight schedule in a short period, but we also suffered from COVID-19 at the beginning of the season. After that, we overcame a difficult period with many injuries to our center-backs. The prolonged injury to Leandro was also significant. Amidst various obstacles, we have faced a clear change in our playing style over the past few months.
Comparing the first few matches of this season with the team's recent performances, I believe there is clear growth. That is why I am very proud of this team. I would also like to express my deep gratitude once again to the club and the fans and supporters for patiently and warmly continuing to support the team. Please imagine that if, during this process, the club and the fans and supporters had become nervous and caused anxiety for the team, a different outcome would have awaited us. We are currently in the process of building the foundation of the team. We are at the stage of fostering the growth of young players who will carry the club's future. Thinking long-term, I do not set goals such as immediately winning titles or accumulating many victories. This is because whether we win matches depends on many factors. I think Liverpool has had a great season this year, but if you ask whether they won all the titles they hoped for, the answer is definitely no. On the other hand, I do not think they failed either. I cannot accept a value system that only evaluates winning. Whether we win or not depends on many factors. However, if we can continue to do what we must and keep doing good work, I believe the team can always grow to a position where it competes at the top.
[Player Interview]
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q, please review today's two goals.
It was a goal where I won the battle of wits with the goalkeeper. My aim was to feint to the far post and shoot to the near post, and for the second goal, I was wondering if the first goal was still on their mind, but I was able to score to the far post.
Q, I believe Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA also instructed you to play more centrally.
As was the case in the Shimizu match, I was able to create good opportunities by finding my timing and moving inside while observing the game. The coach had told me before the match that he wanted to see those moments, and I think that worked well and led to today.
Q: In the last match, there was a shot that led to Ogawa's goal. Isn't it true that your kicking feeling has been improving during regular training?
There were many matches where we seemed unable to score from the Levain Cup, so I approached today with the desire to at least get one goal, and I’m glad that we were able to score two goals today. However, since the season is still only halfway through, I believe there will be many more opportunities to score, so I want to continue without being satisfied with today’s result.
Q: I think you have had the opportunity to play in various positions this season. Please tell us about your current situation and challenges.
Regardless of the position, my commitment remains at 100%. However, I am originally an attacking player, so I have a strong desire to be involved in scoring. Even as a full-back, that feeling does not change. Recently, I have been told less about it, but my defensive skills are a challenge that I need to improve. This remains true even during attacking phases, and I believe I need to enhance my hard work and individual defensive tactics.
Q: What is necessary to produce a large number of goals in the future?
A, I want to approach every position with the awareness to make my own decisions and the courage to strive for results, whether it's scoring or assisting, while keeping in mind the feeling of today and the feeling of when I'm at my best.
Q: What words did you offer to player Ogawa, who is challenging overseas in the same year?
A, when I first went abroad, I struggled with the language, so over the course of one or two years, I learned the language. However, I realized that not being able to communicate well is very challenging, so I think it's important to remember to put in that effort.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: What was the team's objective going into the match?
I thought it would be a tough match against Kashima, and they have high-quality players. In that context, it was an important match to see if we could play our game with the rhythm we usually have and defend high up in the opponent's territory. I believe being able to express that well and scoring the first goal was a major factor in today's victory.
Q: I think we were able to work hard throughout the match.
I believe that the results came from being able to practice at a high level regularly. Not only the 18 members who were selected, but the entire team, including those who were not selected, has been able to practice at a high quality, so the fruits of our hard work are reflected in the matches. I think those factors are significant.
Q: I think we were able to effectively utilize the gaps in the opponent's space.
I have been able to receive the ball in the gap since the last match. However, entering that space is not my only role, so I believe it is important to play with the goal in mind. I think it was good that I was able to participate in plays related to that and that we quickly switched when we lost the ball as a team.
Q: You had two assists and were involved in the scoring plays. What do you think about that?
A, recently I haven't been able to score, and I've been thinking that I need to contribute something for the team. In that context, I feel positive about being able to provide 2 assists. I want to continue to work hard to contribute with goals and assists so that we can score as a team and achieve results.
<Ryoya OGAWA>
Q: It was the last match at Ajinomoto Stadium (in the league), how did you feel approaching it?
A, I had the same feelings as always, but I just wanted to win in any way possible.
Q: There were times when the team struggled to score, but in the last two matches, we have scored multiple goals. What improvements do you feel have been made in the attacking aspect?
I think we are improving the quality in the vital area and sharing images among players effectively. We are able to play calmly in front of the goal. Instead of forcing shots or dribbles, we connect with our teammates reliably, take good positions, and score goals from a good flow at the best timing, allowing us to play the football we want to play.
Q: There are two league matches left, how do you want to approach them?
A, I can participate in a maximum of 2 matches (in the league), so I absolutely want to earn 6 points and raise the team's ranking as much as possible.
Q, please review the scene of the first goal.
A, Ryoma WATANABE was showing himself between the opponent's defense and midfield, and before that, Diego pulled the opponent's defense by breaking through, which created more space for Ryoma WATANABE. It was similar to the goal in the Shimizu match; by playing the ball diagonally, the opponent has to decide whether to step up or not. In this case, they stepped up, allowing for a one-two pass to break through, and if they hadn't, there would have been space in front to take a shot. I believe that diagonal passes were effective in our attack.
Q: Are you studying languages for playing abroad?
I have heard discussions about what players with overseas experience should do, and since I studied English during the COVID-19 pandemic, I think I can communicate to some extent. However, the other day, I was told by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA that English is not understood in Portugal, so I would like to work hard on learning Portuguese as well.
Q: What words did you receive from Mr. Yuichiro Honda (your coach during your time at Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School) regarding this transfer?
A, the current coach of Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School is Masahiro Enomoto, and when I first told him, he was very happy and told me to bring results.
Q: There is a player like Nagatomo who has been active overseas as a good example nearby, but do you have any thoughts or images in your mind about the ideal path you want to take?
A, what is amazing about player Nagatomo is his extremely high communication skills, and he can adapt to any country he goes to. I believe that this aspect is especially important when going abroad, so I want to value that and carry it out myself.
Q: You have mentioned before that you want to utilize your strong left foot in play on the left side. How specifically do you want to approach that aspect of the game?
I think there is a unique feeling to the way left-handed players hold the ball, and I want to make the most of that. I believe it allows for a wider range of play when holding the ball openly. Additionally, I want to increase my assists from crosses on the left side.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: We won against the top-ranked Kashima with a score of 3 goals.
We knew that the opponent would apply high pressure from the front, and we discussed as a team that if we could break through that, it would create chances for us. Scoring at a good time allowed us to manage the game more easily.
Q: I think we were able to convert our chances reliably.
A, the finishing aspect that has been a challenge for a while is improving, so I want to continue focusing on that.
Q: Despite the opponent applying intense pressure from the front line, the entire team was able to maintain awareness of connecting the ball.
As Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned, we were consciously able to maintain our style while applying high pressure, so I believe this will be beneficial in the future. I think our opponents will analyze us even more going forward, but we want to continue playing our football.
Q: Right after scoring the third goal, we conceded a goal. What kind of encouragement did the team give each other?
A, that moment showed a lapse in concentration. I thought the match would head in a bad direction if things continued like that, so I had Morishige and the others communicate well and keep things together.
Q, how do you feel about the maturity of the new style?
I think we were able to move the ball while working together. If we can further mature this style, I believe we can play our game throughout the 90 minutes.
